Malta is an archipelago of islands made up of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The Islands boast one of the highest sunshine records in Europe. Located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea between southern Europe and North Africa, it lies approximately 93km south of the Italian island of Sicily.

The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture. Malta is a compact space and the smallest member of the EU community with a population of around 400,000. The longest distance from the south-east to the north-west is under 30km, and the widest point from east to west just 14km. Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre.

Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, quiet and charming and popular for retirement or convalescence, while Comino is largely uninhabited and has the attributes of the ultimate ‘get-away’ location with its crystal clear waters, no cars and a tiny population.

Tourism is Malta's main industry and with 7,000 years worth of history the islands offer visitors a plethora of historical attractions from various temples - world heritage sites that are the oldest known human structures in the world, to palaces, as well as the clear blue skies and golden beaches. Valletta (the capital city) is a World Heritage City filled with Baroque architecture, monuments, museums, churches and quaint narrow streets.

Malta has a long history of healthcare and was a strategic Mediterranean naval outpost as part of the British Empire, providing medical services to the Royal Navy. Malta has been synonymous with healing and convalescence since the Roman age and the finest hospitals were developed during the time of the Knights of St John. In 2000, the World Health Report ranked Malta fifth in the world in relation to its healthcare systems and health achievements, and the geographic position and lovely climate undoubtedly makes Malta an ideal destination for healthcare, recovery and convalescence. As the second official language English is widely spoken, as well as Italian, and sometimes German or Arabic. The Maltese people are renowned for being warm and welcoming and Malta offers a restful and safe environment.